6 Portobello Road

We had the pleasure of staying at The Gate Hotel in London for two full weeks, and what a beautiful experience it was. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth, care, and a genuine sense of hospitality. The staff here go above and beyond, Muhammad A. ensured all our room needs were met with such attentiveness, and every morning on the 5th floor, Adriana, Alina, and Eddine greeted us with fresh coffee, hand-pressed juices, and smiles that started our day right. You can opt to pay for a delicious breakfast, but coffee and juice are always thoughtfully available. The 5th-floor patio quickly became our favorite spot to relax. Whether enjoying the breeze or simply watching the city move below us, it felt like a place to breathe and appreciate the rhythm of London. We stayed on the 2nd floor, visited the gym on the lower level, and cherished our daily rituals, coffee upstairs, fresh towels on request, and small comforts that added up to a seamless stay. The Gate provides weekly cleaning, but anything you need is easily available with a quick ask. And yoga twice a week, and DJ on Thursday and Friday. What makes London unforgettable isn't just the location or convenience (though being steps away from Aldgate East station, with buses arriving in 1–3 minutes, was incredibly helpful). It is the spirit of the city, the blend of centuries-old history with the energy of new ideas, cultures, and people from all over the world. We explored the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Shakespeare’s Globe, Covent Garden, National Gallery and still felt like we’d only scratched the surface. This part of London is alive with hidden gems: Koi Ramen Bar for a comforting bowl, Frequency Coffee for a morning pick-me-up, Lever & Bloom for unforgettable pastries. For something extra special, try Chotto Matte, El Pastor, or, if you’re lucky enough, grab an invite to Soho House, the rooftop pool and skyline views are breathtaking. We walked an average of 10 miles each day, not because we had to, but because we wanted to, there is just that much to see and feel. Each step was a chance to experience the pulse of a city that welcomes all people, all stories, all ways of being. London is a place of contrast and co-existence, where tradition and transformation live side by side. You will find moments of brilliant efficiency, and others that unfold at a wonderfully slower pace. Embrace both. Our advice: come with curiosity. Let go of expectations. Bring your openness, your patience, and your wonder. This city rewards those who look past the surface and listen to its many voices. It is a place where inclusion, diversity, and history shape every street corner, and we left feeling changed by it. We are deeply grateful for our stay at The Gate and our time in London. It was more than a trip, it was a reminder of the beauty found when we open our hearts to something new.